The Training Room: Week 1 Injury Updates

Sep 03, 2018
The Training Room: Week 1 Injury Updates

We are officially into Week 1 of the regular season and the injury bug has hit pretty hard for a few players with big fantasy implications. Because the NFL has gotten rid of the probable designation, most all of the players who have some sort of injury will be considered questionable. We'll do our best to try and sort things out for you to determine if a player is more on the "probable" side of questionable or if they are more on the "doubtful" side of questionable. Let's dive right in!

UPDATED 9/8/18

Player Position Team Injury Recovery Timetable Potential Pickup Comments
Jerick McKinnon RB 49ers Torn ACL OUT FOR SEASON Alfred Morris, Matt Breida This one hurts. A lot of people were expecting big things from McKinnon in Kyle Shanahan's offense, but now we'll have to wait a full year to see him in an official regular season game. Alfred Morris seems to be the frontrunner for lead back duties but Matt Breida should get his opportunities as well.
Carson Wentz QB Eagles ACL Reconstruction OUT FOR WEEK 1, week to week Nick Foles Wentz has yet to be cleared for contact and although he's progressing well, the Thursday night opener seemed like the ultimate best case scenario. With that being said, he is still only 9 months removed from his surgery and the Eagles will do whatever it takes to make sure he's as close to 100% before putting him back on the field. They felt comfortable enough not to put him on IR, but it looks like the Eagles could sit him for at least 3 games if not more depending on when he gets the green light for contact.
J.D. McKissic RB Seahawks Broken Foot Placed on IR Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, C.J. Prosise McKissic broke his foot during the preseason and the original timetable was only supposed to be 2-4 weeks. However, foot injuries are notorious for healing slowly due to poor blood supply, so the Seahawks opted to put him on the shelf in hopes that he can come back 100% when he's eligible to. This might give some better clarity for C.J. Prosise, but the backfield still remains crowded.
Greg Olsen TE Panthers Strained Low Back Questionable for Week 1 but expected to play Ian Thomas Olsen was a late addition to the injury report on Saturday, but the expectation is that he will play barring any setbacks. It sounds like Olsen might be playing at less than 100% on Sunday, so take that into consideration when using him. The Panthers will be cautious with him to make sure they don't lose him for any extended amount of time.
Will Fuller WR Texans Strained Hamstring Game Time Decision for Week 1 Bruce Ellington, Keke Coutee Fuller is still dealing with a hamstring issue that he was dealing with during the preseason, which doesn't bode well for his potential availability. Because Fuller stretches the field, his hamstring will likely be a primary limiting factor if he does end up playing, so I'd continue to keep an eye on his status for Sunday. My guess is the Texans sit him out, but if he does play he'll definitely not be 100%.
Delanie Walker TE Titans Sprained Toe No Longer On Injury Report Jonnu Smith Walker has been taken off the injury report list and will be a full go for Week 1 against the Dolphins. Use him as you normally would be also be aware that Walker does have history of getting banged up as the season progresses.
Evan Engram TE Giants Concussion Returned to full practice Rhett Ellison Engram has passed through all the phases of the concussion protocol and has returned to full practice. He'll face off with a tough Jacksonville defense to start off the season.
Marlon Mack RB Colts Strained Hamstring Limited practice participant, likely a game time decision Jordan Wilkins, Nyheim Hines Mack was able to practice both Thursday and Friday, which is a step in the right direction for his availability Sunday. However, he'll still need to go through pre-game warmups to ensure no setback or increased discomfort. He's a risky play as the Colts will likely be cautious with him so I'd potentially look at your other options available.
Elijah McGuire RB Jets Broken Foot Placed on IR Bilal Powell, Isaiah Crowell Like McKissic, McGuire also broke his foot during the preseason and will be sidelined until at least midseason. I'm liking Powell's chance of being utilized more due to his pass catching ability and overall usage compared to Crowell so if he's still available try and snatch him up!
Josh Gordon WR Browns Strained Hamstring Limited practice, day to day Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway Although Gordon states that he is 100%, the Browns are possibly putting him on a pitch count to reduce the likelihood of a re-aggravation and potentially losing him for more games. Gordon is also not expected to start so he could be a lower tiered option if you have him on your roster.
Jay Ajayi RB Eagles Sprained Foot Practiced in Full Corey Clement Ajayi has been practicing with no restrictions and is a full go to open up the season against the Falcons.
Sony Michel RB Patriots Sprained Knee Questionable for Week 1 Rex Burkhead, James White Let the Patriot games begin. Michel has been practicing in limited fashion, but there is still no clear indication if he'll play this weekend or not. He's looking to be a game time decision in addition to Rex Burkhead, which is not ideal if you have either of them.
Saquon Barkley RB Giants Strained Hamstring Not listed on injury report Jonathan Stewart Barkley looks to be 100% recovered from his hamstring issue that he sustained in the preseason. He'll face a tough defense to start the season but he's a must start.
Tyrell Williams WR Chargers Sprained Foot Not listed on injury report Mike Williams Williams seems to be over his foot issue and will be starting opposite Keenan Allen this Sunday against the Chiefs
Austin Sefarian-Jenkins TE Jaguars Core Muscle Injury Practiced in full Friday, expected to play Week 1 Niles Paul ASJ missed practice earlier in the week but returned on Friday which means he should be out on the field against the Giants on Sunday. I'd keep tabs on his status moving forward though as core muscle injuries have a tendency to hang around, especially for the position that he plays.
Ed Dickson TE Seahawks Strained Quad Put on Reserve/NFI list Nick Vannett Dickson was set to return to practice this week after dealing with a quad strain, but it looks like that plan is going to be placed on hold. There hasn't been any specifics as to why he was put on the reserve/NFI list, but he'll miss 6 games now.
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